The third opening move that was tried in this match was 1.11-16, the Bristol, an opening reported to be especially popular in Babados. Sergio Scarpetta had no troubles to equalize, in contrast, he forced Ron King to make a series of star moves, beginning with 15.2-6. It seems like the Italian Champion is especially well prepared in his opsnings this time. The Champion however showed excellent defensive play when he needed it in very critical situation.

However, he needs to find an opening with red, in which he is able to avert some pressure, as he now trails by one game. Play commences tomorrow at 9.00 MEST with the livestream at:

Notes:(A) The Alma, not named after a beautiful woman, but to commemorate the victims of the bloody battle of Alma in the Crimean War (1854)(B) Probably part of the home preparation by Ron King, as in their match in 2012 he had troubles to equalize in that seldom played, but very complicated opening. (C) Heading straight for simplificaions and an easy draw.

(A) Ron avoids the main lines 3.12-16 or 3.8-11 by transposing into a Kelso opening (1.10-15), usually brought up by this move order: 1. 10-15 22-18, 2. 15x22 25x18, 3. 11-15 18x11, 4. 8x15, same as above.

(B) Sergio chooses a line which allows simplifications, and the game is now heading into a draw.

(A) 6. ... 17-14 to a solid draw is the reknown theoretical recommendation. After the text move, an endgame results that looks innocent, but Scarpetta slighly misplays it, loses precious time, and runs into an endgame in which Ron King could play with a majority of Kings. However, the challenger secured the opposition and defendend well. After the longest struggle of this match he secured the draw.e

(B) A loss of time. 32. ... 11-8 saves time and draws easy.

(C) Probably he realized only at that moment that the clearing shot 33. ... 11-7 ends up in a loss.

See diagram below. This is well know position from Laird and Lady opening. Ron played this man down line with Jim Morrison in 1996 and won the game (one of two wins in this match). Jim played 12-16, 26-22, 19-23, 27x18, 13-17 and later lost it. Sergio improved red play here and in position on diagram played 19-23! 26x19, 13-17 and red has better position.

(A): The Laird and Lady Opening, once reknown as the sharpest and complicated way to begin a game. The romantic name from the 19th century adds to the reputation of this opening.

But, over the centuries it has lost some credit, as many lines were found and today it is still well established, but the most exciting lines have been tamed by analysts and players.

(B): And here we find an improvement over the move 19. 12-16 that had been played in World Championship Matches before. Ron King had sweet memories with it, as he deafeated Jim Morrison with the white apieces in their 1996 World Championship match. However, Sergio is well-prepared and chooses a line that ends up in an enmding in which red had to be careful to draw.

After the game it turned out that it was in fact played in a correspodence match before: Al Lyman v Jim Loy ID 1996. Home preparation for a World Championship Match must be thorough.